Chinese warships conduct joint military drills in Cambodia

Two Chinese warships arrived in Cambodia for military drills. China and Cambodia have a strong friendship, with China investing a lot in Cambodia. The United States is worried that China might use a Cambodian naval base to expand its influence in the region. The Chinese ambassador emphasized the importance of military cooperation between China and Cambodia for the security of both countries and the region. The warships, Qijiguang and Jinggangshan, docked in Sihanoukville for 15 days of drills involving Chinese and Cambodian military personnel. China has been renovating a naval base in Ream, which could give them a strategic position near the disputed South China Sea. However, Cambodian officials deny that the base is meant for aircraft carriers. China showcased its military hardware, including remote-controlled robots with rifles, during the drills. The joint naval exercises aim to strengthen ties between China and Cambodia. The drills are part of the Golden Dragon exercises held regularly between the two countries. There were concerns about China having a long-term agreement to use the Ream base, but Cambodia denied such an agreement. Cambodia welcomes visiting ships from all nations but does not allow foreign military bases on its soil. The Cambodian army thanked China for equipment and upgrades but reiterated that no foreign military bases would be allowed in Cambodia.